The union filed an application alleging the hospital violated the statutory freeze and discriminated against union members by implementing a new flexible benefits plan for non-unionized employees, which resulted in union members being placed in a separate group for long-term disability (LTD) benefits and facing higher premiums.
The Ontario Labour Relations Board dismissed the application, finding that the separation of groups and premium increases were consistent with past practice and the reasonable expectations of employees.
The Board also found no evidence of anti-union animus, concluding the hospital's actions were motivated by legitimate business reasons.
